慢性腎臓病の猫だけが見せるサイン20選を獣医師が解説します

Summary

The video script from クウのキャットフード研究室 highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of chronic kidney disease in cats, a common health issue affecting 81% of cats over 15 years old. It outlines 20 key symptoms, including increased urination and water intake, loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in behavior, emphasizing early detection for better management and potentially extending the cat's lifespan. The video encourages regular veterinary check-ups and shares tips for prevention, stressing the value of monitoring your cat's health and seeking professional advice for any concerns.

Takeaways

• 💧 Increased frequency of urination is a sign of chronic kidney disease as the kidneys' ability to reabsorb water decreases.
• 💦 Cats with chronic kidney disease may drink more water due to increased urine output and consequent dehydration.
• 🍽️ Loss of appetite is common in cats with chronic kidney disease, and monitoring daily food intake can help detect early signs.
• 📉 Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various illnesses, including chronic kidney disease, and warrants a visit to the vet.
• 🦷 Periodontal disease is related to chronic kidney disease, and changes in oral health can indicate underlying kidney issues.
• 💩 Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, can be signs of chronic kidney disease affecting the cat's overall health.
• 🌟 Bad-smelling urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which may be related to chronic kidney disease.
• 🐾 Dull or unkempt fur can be an indicator of chronic kidney disease affecting the cat's overall health and well-being.
• 🤒 Signs of illness like restlessness or changes in behavior can be early indicators of chronic kidney disease in cats.
• 😵 Seizures can be a sign of advanced chronic kidney disease, known as uremia, and require immediate veterinary attention.
• 🩸 Anemia can result from chronic kidney disease due to the kidneys' role in producing erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Q & A

What percentage of cats are reported to have chronic kidney disease by the age of 15?

According to the script, it is reported that 81% of cats are affected by chronic kidney disease by the age of 15.

Why is the kidney referred to as a 'silent organ'?

The kidney is called a 'silent organ' because it typically does not show symptoms until it is severely damaged, at which point the damage is often irreversible.

What is the significance of increased urination as a sign of chronic kidney disease?

Increased urination is a sign of chronic kidney disease because the disease affects the kidney's ability to reabsorb excess water, leading to more urine being produced and expelled.

What is polyuria and polydipsia, and how is it related to chronic kidney disease?

Polyuria and polydipsia refer to the increased production of urine (polyuria) and increased water intake (polydipsia). In the context of chronic kidney disease, these symptoms occur because the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, leading to excess water in the urine and an increased need to drink water to compensate.

How much water does a cat need daily based on its weight?

The script suggests a simple calculation for a cat's daily water requirement, which is roughly 50 times its weight in kilograms. For example, a 3 kg cat would need 150 ml of water per day.

What is the significance of a cat showing a sudden interest in drinking water?

A sudden interest in drinking water can be a sign of chronic kidney disease, as the cat may be trying to compensate for the increased loss of water due to the disease. Cats are typically not heavy water drinkers, so a change in this behavior is noteworthy.

How can a decrease in appetite be a sign of chronic kidney disease?

A decrease in appetite can indicate chronic kidney disease as the cat may lose interest in food due to the illness. The script also notes that kidney disease food often lacks flavor, which can further reduce a cat's desire to eat.

What is the relationship between chronic kidney disease and weight loss?

Weight loss can be a sign of chronic kidney disease because the cat's body may be expending more energy to deal with the illness, and if the cat is not eating enough, it can lead to a decrease in body weight.

Why is it important to monitor a cat's behavior for changes that could indicate chronic kidney disease?

Monitoring a cat's behavior for changes is crucial because it can provide early signs of chronic kidney disease. Changes such as increased sleeping, avoidance of climbing, or a lack of response to their name might indicate the progression of the disease.

What is the significance of a cat showing signs of dehydration?

Dehydration is significant as it can be a symptom of chronic kidney disease, especially when accompanied by polyuria and polydipsia. The script describes a simple skin pinch test to check for dehydration, where the skin should quickly return to normal after being pinched; if it takes longer, it could indicate a severe state of dehydration.

What are some preventive measures for chronic kidney disease in cats?

The script mentions that preventive measures for chronic kidney disease have been discussed in previous videos, likely covering aspects such as diet, hydration, regular veterinary check-ups, and maintaining overall health.

How can an increase in bad breath or gum disease be related to chronic kidney disease?

An increase in bad breath or gum disease can be related to chronic kidney disease because both conditions can worsen each other. The oral environment can serve as an indicator of kidney health, and signs of deteriorating oral health may reflect underlying kidney issues.